The Lawrence County Courthouse is an imposing building in Ironton, Ohio. Like most river towns, Ironton is home to some varied and interesting architecture. This courthouse stands out beautifully in the heart of this old town amidst many interesting old buildings .
It was completed in 1908 after fire destroyed the old courthouse. The three story cut stone structure is in a striking Neoclassical style. The dome is extraordinary.
It took two years and $150,000 to build this courthouse.
It appears that an annex added on to the back in 1978 must have doubled their space.
There are a couple of noteworthy things on the grounds. My favorite of these is a replica of the Statue of Liberty that was donated by the Boy Scouts in 1951.
There’s also a replica of an iron furnace like those that once dotted the landscape here in southern Ohio. Much of southern Ohio was known as the Hanging Rock Iron Region which was the leading producer of pig iron and charcoal during the nineteenth century.
You’ll also find a pair of howitzer canons because nothing says welcome to our courthouse like a couple of canons.
If you like public buildings or courthouses in particular, this one is well worth a visit when you’re in the area.
Make the Journey Fun 
You’re funny! Cannons are sooo welcoming. I’d really like to do some exploring of Ohio River towns, on both sides. In 2017, I visited Louisville, KY, Madison, IN, and Wheeling, WV, but not enough time in any of them.
There’s never enough time, is there? Portsmouth, Ohio is experiencing a revival particularly in the downtown area with new shops and restaurants, events and a magnificent series of flood wall murals. I haven’t been to Madison but it’s in my list. You’ll have to let me known how you like it!
It was a pretty sleepy place, but they do have a visitor center/museum.
Our local courthouse is a few years older, and the style is is a little more ornate, but the stone color is very similar.
Perhaps the cannons are simply there to keep Russell KY from getting any ideas about annexing Ohio? 😉
Hahaha. That could be! It seems like every courthouse in Ohio has some kind of weaponry near the front door.